Byline: Amanda Watt

AFTER a week of investigations and public scrutiny of his death, the family of Grand Prix marshal Graham Beveridge were finally able to make their private farewells to him yesterday.

Karen Beveridge -- his wife of 26 years -- and their three adult children, Kelly, Peter and Matthew, were among 100 mourners who filled a small Bundaberg chapel for the 52-year-old's funeral.

The race marshal, from Winfield, north of Bundaberg, died from chest and abdominal injuries after being hit by a flying wheel from Jacques Villeneuve's car during a spectacular crash in the Melbourne Grand Prix motor race on Sunday, March 4. Several other bystanders were injured by flying debris.

A public memorial service was held in the family's former home town of Bowral, southwest of Sydney, on Friday, before his widow and children returned to Queensland for yesterday's burial.

Local motorsport enthusiasts were among the mourners at yesterday morning's service.

A weeping Mrs Beveridge was supported by Peter, her younger son, while she read a short eulogy which was almost identical to the one she read at the New South Wales memorial.

Mrs Beveridge said her husband's passion for motorsport came second only to his love for his family.

``I am deeply devastated by what has happened; but I know in my heart he was killed doing something he loved,'' she said.

``I loved him with all my heart and I know he felt the same about me. His family was everything to him and he was everything to us.''

In a prepared statement issued before the funeral, Mrs Beveridge appealed for privacy for her family.

``As you can understand, this is a very difficult time for Mrs Beveridge, her children and her extended family,'' it read.

``She wishes to pass on her gratitude for the sympathy, condolences and prayers of so many people who have supported her and continue to support her.''

Mr Beveridge was buried at the Bundaberg cemetery.